R5m jackpot for Proteas

Cape Town - Despite their series loss to Australia, the Proteas will be awarded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for maintaining their No 1 status in Test cricket.

Australia beat South Africa by 245 runs at Newlands on Wednesday to take the three-Test series 2-1 and also inflict a first Test series defeat on the South Africans since 2009.

However, the Proteas remain comfortably atop the ICC rankings and will stay there until the year-end cut-off date of April 1 when the ICC's annual monetary award system kicks in.

The Proteas (127 rating points) are well-clear of Australia (115) in second place. The Australians did, however, leapfrog India into the No 2 spot following their triumph over South Africa.

According to the sportskeeda website, the Proteas will get $475 000 (over R5m) for finishing as the top Test team.

Australia will get $370 000, while India will have to settle for $265 000.

From 2015, the No1-ranked Test team will receive $500 000.

CLICK HERE to view the full ICC Test rankings.